Kankan, the name of the poet, the author of the Bengali Version of the Chandi, or Hymn to Durga: in the poetical effusion in the Tale the poetaster assumes the name of Kankan. Valmiki, the reputed author of the Ramayana. Vyasa, the reputed author of the Mahabharat.
A reference to the popular tradition how Hanuman won from Ravan’s wife the arrow presented by Brahma to Ravan, and how Hanuman presented it to Ram for Ravan’s destruction.
The wearing of charms is very common amongst all classes in Bengal: it is still a matter of popular belief that sickness may be cured, and harm averted, by their use. The actual charm is often a piece of bark on which a sacred text is written: this is folded in paper into a very small compass and is worn on a delicate silk string round the neck, or round the arm.
The author had doubtless read the lines in ‘Hamlet’:—
“Let the candied tongue lick absurd pomp,”
“And crook the pregnant hinges of the knee,”
“Where thrift may follow fawning.”